Lesego Chombo radiates passion and purpose. At just 26, she had already built a remarkable resume - Miss Botswana 2022, Miss World Africa 2024, practicing lawyer, founder of a charitable foundation, and, as of November, the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana's history.

Her rise came amid a major political shake-up. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), under the leadership of Harvard-educated Duma Boko, won by a landslide, ending the 58-year rule of the previous party. Boko, 55, was quick to act, with his focus sharply set on transforming Botswana's diamond-dependent economy.

"My goal is to empower young people to become entrepreneurs, to employ themselves and others," he told the BBC prior to his inauguration.

To lead that charge, he needed a fitting face - and Chombo was the ideal choice. A young, dynamic woman already devoted to social causes, she was appointed Minister of Youth and Gender.

"I've never been more proud to be young," Chombo told the BBC from her ministry's offices in Gaborone. "I'm passionate about youth development, gender equality, and the growth of children."

Though she didn't campaign for a parliamentary seat, Chombo was appointed as a specially elected member of parliament - one of only six women in Botswana's 69-member National Assembly.

Her appointment came as a surprise even to her. "I was appointed by a president who had never met me," she said. "Miss World, which I thought was my final goal, ended up being the platform that brought me here."

Her national visibility began with her Miss Botswana title, through which she championed social change and motivated other young women. She founded the Lesego Chombo Foundation, dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged youth and their families in rural areas - a project she still manages, funded by corporate sponsors and donors.

"We're working toward a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and represented. I'm proud to embody that representation," she said.

Now 27, Chombo also works as an associate at a law firm in Gaborone. During her Miss World preparation, she said, "I placed myself in a mindset of service. I focused deeply on winning not just the crown but what it could mean."

In a country where nearly 60% of the population is under 35 and unemployment hovers around 28%, Chombo knows the stakes. Youth and women are hit hardest by economic challenges and corruption.

"The issue isn't just unemployment," she said. "We need an entire ecosystem that enables youth to flourish."

Her vision includes a robust system to support youth-led ventures, foster entrepreneurship, and give young people a voice in decision-making. As the government reviews its anti-corruption policies, she wants to ensure procurement quotas for youth-run businesses are enforced.

The administration has launched a 10-month forensic audit into public spending, including oversight of 30 state-owned enterprises. President Boko aims to restore investor confidence and diversify the economy, with his deputy securing deals abroad - notably with UAE-based CCI Global, which will establish a business outsourcing hub in Botswana.

While youth empowerment is her ministry's cornerstone, gender equity is equally vital to Chombo.

Her time in office has coincided with public outcry over gender-based violence. A UNFPA report states that over 67% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse - more than twice the global average.

"It's painful to think I could be next," she admitted.

She faced backlash a month into her role for voting against an opposition motion calling for "peace desks" at police stations and courts. She argued that legal provisions already existed, and the focus should be on raising awareness.

In January, a police report showed over 100 women were raped and 10 killed during the holiday season - prompting public outrage. Critics turned their frustration toward Chombo.

Repeatedly, she emphasized that Botswana already had strong laws and frameworks, but enforcement was lacking. She now advocates for a dedicated Gender-Based Violence Act to close persistent legal gaps.

"We're pushing for a cross-sectoral approach," she explained. "We want school curriculums that teach gender equity from an early age. Parents should also model healthy behavior at home."

She also speaks up for men's issues - especially around mental health and redefining masculinity - urging traditional leaders to stop reinforcing harmful patriarchal norms.

"People ask why I focus more on women," she said. "It's because women face the most prejudice. But gender equality must benefit everyone. What we're striving for is equity."

A University of Botswana law graduate, Chombo credits her mother and other strong women for shaping her path.

"My mother created the space for me to succeed - and I've realized that isn't easy. As women, we face constant pushback: 'You can't lead. You can't be young and in power.' I'm facing that reality now."

She also praised Miss World CEO Julia Morley, who inspired her with the "beauty with a purpose" ethos: "She's encouraged so many girls globally to take on social responsibility."

Chombo is determined to make lasting change. She knows she's made history - but for her, the work is only beginning.

"Real success is tangible impact," she said. "I want to look back and see progress that lasts - progress that others can carry forward."